UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing

Student Bill of Right and Responsibilities

1. Students of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing are encouraged to develop self-direction and self-discipline as it pertains to their personal and professional growth.
2. UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing develops policies and procedures, which provide and safeguard the student’s freedom to learn. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.
3. It is the policy of UPMC Shadyside to be in compliance with the Equal Employment Act, Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and all other legislation, all as amended to provide equal opportunity for all applicants to the School of Nursing without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, non-job related handicap, disability, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or status as a veteran of the Vietnam era.
4. Students are free to question data or views offered in any course of study understanding that they are still responsible for learning the content of the course in which they are enrolled. The teacher may defer lengthy discussion until a later time.
5. Students have the right to review and question any written evaluation and approach faculty members for explanation or clarification. Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
6. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which faculty members acquire in the course of their work is considered confidential, and is not released without the knowledge or consent of the student.
7. Students have the right to have a responsible voice in the determination of the curriculum through representation on the Curriculum Committee.
8. Students and student organizations are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them, and to express opinions publicly and privately to the extent that the rights and privileges of others are not violated.
9. Students are allowed to invite and to hear any person of their own choosing during their free time.
10. The student body has a clearly defined means of participating in the formulation and application of school policy affecting academic and student affairs through student representation on related committees and through direct access to the faculty and director.
11. The school has an obligation to clarify standards of behavior, which it considers essential to its educational goals.
12. Students are provided with a handbook, which clearly defines student/school relationships, and provides them with access to relevant rules and regulations. Disciplinary proceedings are instituted for violations of standards of conduct as described in this handbook, which is compiled with student participation. An appeal procedure is available.
13. The school, in conjunction with the hospital, provides for adequate safety precautions within the hospital complex. The student is responsible for adhering to established safety policies.
14. A dress code is established by the UPMCHS and the Student Support Services Committee. Recommendations are made by the student body and the faculty.
15. Grading systems and polices should be reviewed periodically by the students and faculty for clarification and better student/faculty understanding.